12/14/2025
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Extreme Cold Emergency Declared for Dorchester County
Residents urged to prepare for dangerous wind chills Sunday night
The Dorchester County health officer has declared an Extreme Cold Event beginning the evening of Sunday, Dec. 14, and continuing into the morning of Monday, Dec. 15.
The National Weather Service forecast shows expected wind chills of 13 degrees Fahrenheit or below from Sunday evening through Monday morning. These extreme temperatures are a substantial threat to life and health.
“We are activating our Extreme Cold Plan to ensure our most vulnerable neighbors have access to relief,” said Dr. Casey Scott, Dorchester County Health Officer. “With wind chills this low, frostbite and hypothermia can set in quickly. We urge everyone to stay indoors if possible and check on loved ones.”
Shelter and Warming Center Information
In coordination with the Extreme Temperature Collaboration Group, the following resources are available:
• Dorchester Temporary Shelter: Located at 200 Washington Street, Cambridge. The shelter acts as the primary overnight facility.
• Availability Checks: Residents seeking shelter or information on overflow warming center availability should call the Delmarva Community Action Center at 410-221-1900 or the Dorchester County Health Department at 410-228-3223.
• Direct Shelter Line: For inquiries specifically related to the Dorchester Temporary Shelter, please call 443-477-2219.
Safety Tips for Residents
The health department advises all residents to take the following precautions:
• Dress Smart: Wear multiple layers of loose, lightweight, warm clothing. Wear a hat and mittens, which are warmer than gloves.
• Monitor Health: Watch for signs of hypothermia (shivering, confusion, fumbling hands) and frostbite (numbness, waxy-white skin). Call 911 immediately if these signs appear.
• Protect Pets: Bring pets indoors. Ensure they have unfrozen water and adequate shelter.
• Check Your Neighbors: Look in on older adults, families with young children, and those with limited heating.
How You Can Help
• Please help us share our safety messages broadly and through various means of communication — our channels include our website (dorchesterhealth.org), our page (facebook.com/dorchestermdhealth), and our NextDoor agency page (nextdoor.com/agency/dorchester-county-health-department).
• Check on your neighbors (our aging friends, our unhoused, those with chronic medical conditions, and our very young).
• Encourage folks who work outdoors to bundle up.
• If you would like to help your community during a future weather event or public health emergency, please sign up to join our Maryland Responds unit at https://health.maryland.gov/mdr/Pages/Registration.aspx
For more information on cold weather safety and local resources, visit dorchesterhealth.org.
